August 28

0 comments

How To Fix Shower Water Pressure (Low Pressure Problems)

By Robin Hatch

August 28, 2022


Low shower water pressure can be frustrating and even a little sad when you are looking forward to a nice shower after a long day. Luckily, there is an easy way to quickly fix low shower water pressure.

Low shower water pressure can easily be fixed by cleaning your shower head. Build-up in and on the shower head will eventually start to impede the flow of water. This will result in reduced water pressure. Although this is the simplest fix for increasing shower water pressure, there can sometimes be other issues at hand interrupting pressure.

You can take simple steps to clean your shower head effectively and restore the best water pressure. In this quick guide, we will also discuss other issues that could be affecting water pressure and how to solve them.

How To Properly Clean Your Shower Head

If the low shower water pressure is due to a dirty shower head, these steps will help you to clean it properly.

You will first want to remove the top of the showerhead and take off pieces that can be removed. Then you should carefully clean each piece individually. Sediment can build up on these pieces due to the material in your water. If you like, you can find cleaners and tools that are specifically designed to help remove sediment from shower heads and faucets.

If you can still see visible residue or build-up after cleaning, you may want to soak the shower head in a solution made of white vinegar and water. You can allow the shower head to soak overnight.

After you reassemble the parts, you should run hot water through them. This will flush out any remaining sediment, the cleaning solution, and/or vinegar.

Beyond a dirty shower head, there can also be other causes of low shower water pressure as well. Let’s look at other causes of low shower water pressure and how to fix them.

Poor Quality Shower Head

This is a very common cause of low shower water pressure and can be a super easy fix. Do a little research to find shower heads that specifically increase water pressure.

A good, high-quality shower head can change your showering experience.

Shower Head Settings

Another culprit could be the shower head settings. Some shower heads will come with multiple settings. Take some time to get acquainted with each setting to find which one satisfies your water pressure needs.

Sometimes, shower head settings can slowly shift themselves over time. Be sure the settings are set where you prefer. If the settings continue to shift, it is time to invest in a new showerhead.

Flow Restrictors

Some newer models of shower heads will come with a flow restrictor. This invention is intended to help save on water usage. Although it can save you money on your water bill, this may not be your intention. If you would rather spend the extra money on the water bill, look for a flow restrictor and remove it.

For some people, really good shower water pressure is worth a little extra on the water bill.

If you do not have the user’s manual handy for the shower head, you can likely find instructions online for removing a flow restrictor.

Leaks or Kinks In Water Hose

If there are leaks or kinks present in the water hose, this will definitely cut down on your water pressure. This is usually an issue with shower heads that have a handheld feature.

These hoses can easily be replaced without losing the entire shower head.

Main Shut Off Valve

Main shut-off valves are sometimes partially cut off when a home is empty. If you have just moved in, this could be the case, causing low water pressure. You should note that if this is the case, then the water pressure will be low throughout the home, not just in the shower.

Locate the water shut-off valve. Examine the valve to see if it needs to be opened further.

Water Leaks

Water leaks somewhere in your plumbing system can also contribute to low water pressure. Usually, this will affect the pressure throughout the home and not just in the showers.

It is important, however, that these problems are addressed, though. Allowing a water leak to go unrepaired can cause damage to your home. It is a good idea to check out sudden decreases in water pressure immediately.

Clogged Hot Water Heater

Not many homeowners realize that they must flush out their hot water heater as part of routine maintenance. Hot water heaters can become clogged with sediment just like a shower head.

This sediment can make its way into pipes and cause low water pressure and eventually damage.

Water Usage Peak Times

Another contributing factor to low water pressure in the shower could be showering during a peak water usage time.

This is a problem for people who are on city-wide water supplies. This would not affect someone who is using a well for water supply.

If you think this could be the reason for your low water pressure, experiment with showering at a different time during the day to see if it makes a difference.

Although you may not necessarily want to change your showering times, this could help you solve the mystery of your low water pressure.

There can also be peak water usage times in your home. For instance, showering while using appliances will definitely decrease water pressure temporarily. Avoid showering while big appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers are running.

Robin Hatch

About the author

For over a decade, Robin has been a real estate agent, interior design specialist, and mother. Through her trials and tribulations, she wanted to create the perfect website to help you save money and make your home look beautiful.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}